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Cleveland Public Theatre Request for
Proposals for Big [BOX] for the 2008-2009 Season Application and details on how Big [BOX] works are below.
For more information or to download application materials, please visit www.cptonline.org. CPT is gearing up for the 08-09 Season and the centerpiece
of our season – Big [BOX]. Big [BOX] is a successful series that
promotes new performance projects by local artists. Big [BOX] offers artists or groups the opportunity to
self-produce their own works. Big [BOX] is about whatever the artist wants to
focus on. We open the doors and let the artist experiment, charting their own
course, making their own decisions, taking their own risks. This year CPT may be producing two sets of Big [BOX]: one in
the fall and another in the traditional January/February time. We hope that
this allows for more audience support, greater flexibility for interested
artists, and increased service from CPT staff. How Big [BOX] Works CPT will select six or more artists/groups to be part of Big
[BOX]. Each of these artists/groups gets the James Levin Theatre (upstairs) for
one week, Monday through Sunday. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at
7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm. This year’s series will be offered January
– February, 2009. Big [BOX] is not about huge production values. It’s
more about the performance. The artist shouldn’t get too caught up in
elaborate plans because they don’t have much time in the space. But
don’t confuse minimalism and resourcefulness with lack of style and
quality. We ask that all set pieces be portable in case the show needs to be
struck to make the stage available for a late night performance. The space is
set up with a rep lighting plot suitable for theatre and dance. Each artist
will have a few specials that can be moved around for their particular needs,
but the lighting plot must remain intact. Color may be changed. Each artist/group will be provided a budget of $600 toward
his or her expenses. ($400 for double bill) The net box office receipts will
be split 50/50 (30/30/40 for double bills) after that $600 has been
recovered. Although we will produce a direct mail piece advertising all
of the artists/groups, it is up to the individual artist to promote his or her
own show, but we will. We will send out a press release for listings only,
provide flyer templates, use of copy machine, and may be able to help with
distribution. Since the work being done is in development, there will be no
critics invited. However, critics have attended and written about work in the
past, clearly stating that the work is in process. Should an individual artist
feel their work is ready for the scrutiny of a reviewer we will try to
accommodate them. There will be a Big [BOX] Stage Manager, box office and
house staff, but it is up to each artist to provide their own artistic
collaborators and any additional technical staff needed. This is a chance for us to get to know an artist’s
work or new work by artists we already know. Who gets selected? In selecting works
for this series we look at a number of factors: Has the artist/group demonstrated the ability to produce the
proposed work? We aren’t looking for top notch producers, but we do want
to feel confident that the artist/group has a clear understanding of what it takes
to pull off a show, and that they understand how to assess their own capacity. All artistic enterprises require risk and there are no
guarantees. However, it’s important to demonstrate a level of artistic
excellence and an understanding of artistry. This might be demonstrated in a
work sample, resume of artist, script of past or current work, or in a project
summary. Is the work adventurous and new? CPT has a history of
producing work that no one else in town will produce because it is somehow
“outside the box.” The work doesn’t need to be experimental
or weird (though that is fine too), but it does need to be relevant and
compelling. How will Big [BOX] impact this artist professionally and
artistically? CPT wants to have a real impact on the community and provide
resources to artists who will most benefit. If you would like to be considered for the 2008-09 Big [BOX]
Series, please fill out the attached application form, or you can request an
application at Artistic@xxxxxxxxxxxxx. Deadline for submissions is June 1, 2008. Big [BOX] Past
Artists 2007-08 Steve Maitros – Modern Problems Anne McEvoy – Crashing Through Ceilings MeganLouise Dance – Companions Scott Plate – The One Who Barbara Becker – Ictus Michael Williams – The Josie Project Jason Mullin – The Greatest Story Ever Told Hy Life – De Vices Kalindi Stockton and Maree ReMalia – vis-à-vis Deborah Magid – Costumbrismo, or Khandihba Wars 2006-07 Mike Geither—Living Tall Mike Sepesy and Alison Garrigan—Ms. Adventures Lisa Siciliano and Dawn Youngs—When the Wind Blows Najaa Young—The Future of the Funk Lisa K. Lock—Without Feathers Amy Notley—Sucking the Life Mary Weems and Tony Sias—Wearing Rainbows and Numbers Double Edge Dance—Fault Lines Trad Burns and Elizabeth Woods—My Name is Rachel
Corrie 2005-06 Myron J. Lewis and Jaqi Loewy—Mr. Lewis Rules Daniel Elihu Kramer—Love Suicide Lynn Deering and Chris DiCello—Coming of Age Eric Alleman—New American Appliances Joe Booth—Family Outing 2004-05 Aaron Rapljenovic and Zoe Schultz – GEMini David Hansen – The Vampyres Ryan Lott – Connect, A Party in 3 Acts Perren Hedderson – Apply Within Nina Domingue – Mo Pas Connin Mike Geither – Citizenship in the Nation 2003-04 Eclectic Circus Alex P. Michaels – The M.A.N. Sarah Morton – 4 Minutes to Happy 2002-03 Antaeus Dance Christopher Johnston – Theories of Relativity InLet Dance Theatre Michael D. Sepesy – Loserville David Hansen – I Hate This Wild Titlewave Theatre – Charge Aaron Rapljenovic and Robert Wesner – Big [BOX] 09 APPLICATION
Deadline: June 1, 2008 Thank you for your interest in Big [BOX]. Please complete the application
and submit it with your supplemental
materials and a work sample
(if available) to: Attn: Big [BOX], Cleveland Public Theatre, Name/Group______________________________________________________________
Contact Name________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________ Phone________________
Cell________________ E-Mail________________ Artistic Discipline (e.g. music, theatre,
dance, puppetry, etc.)_____________ Title of
Work/Show_________________________________________________________ Length of piece/event
______________________________________________________ Requested performance dates in order of
preference (Fall Big [BOX]: 10/6 -11/2, 2008, Winter Big [BOX]: 1/5 - 2/8,
2009): Attach up to two sheets for the
following: 1) Describe the project. (Who will be involved, what is the basis
for the piece, how do you currently envision it?) 2) What are your production needs? (stage, lighting, special
effects, etc) 3) How will participation in Big [BOX] impact you as an artist and
the growth of the proposed piece? 4) What is your background and experience that gives you
confidence that you can complete this project? What skills do you have to be
able to produce the work? 5) Sometimes CPT pairs up artists or groups with shorter works to
maximize box office and space. Would you be willing to participate if you were
on a double bill? Supplementary
Materials: Include any additional
information to support your application including resume, bio, script,
treatment, artistic statement, etc. Work
Sample: Include work samples
such as video, photos, past scripts, etc. Please label the sample clearly so we
know how to relate the sample to the proposal. Video materials will only be returned to those artists who
are not selected for Big [BOX] and who include an appropriate sized, stamped,
and addressed envelope. |